1 in 5 US kids suffer from a mental health or learning disorder.It can put them at risk for academic difficulties or dropping out, risky behavior, and conflict with their families.

Our mental health and learning study can help.

Participating families receive the following at no-cost:

▶ Comprehensive, study-related diagnostic evaluation

▶ Feedback report detailing results that can be used to inform treatment and classroom instruction

▶ Consultation with a licensed clinician to discuss results and recommendations

▶ Treatment recommendations and local referrals (if appropriate)

▶ Up to $150 compensation for your time

Contact us 347.934.2880healthybrainnetwork.orghbn@childmind.org

Who are we?The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Our teams work every day to deliver the highest standards of care, advance the science of the developing brain, and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most.

What is the purpose of the study?The Child Mind Institute launched the Healthy Brain Network (HBN) initiative to provide the scientific community with a large online database of health information that can be used to better understand the science of developing brains and improve the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders from an objective, biological perspective. To this end, the database will bring together brain imaging, genetics and biological samples with standardized psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive and lifestyle information. This work will form the foundation for future efforts and will allow for possible long-term follow-up to help predict risk and outcome.

Why is this important?One of the biggest hurdles to identifying and treating mental illness in children and adolescents is that doctors and clinicians must rely on children to report their feelings and thoughts. Children’s communication skills are still developing — and it can be difficult for a clinician to get a clear idea of what exactly a child is experiencing. The field of child psychiatry would benefit tremendously from biological diagnostic tests, similar to ones used in other branches of medicine. The Healthy Brain Network is a step in the right direction, and a model for how research efforts supported by the community can have tremendous impact.

Who can participate?Children ages 5-21 in the New York City metropolitan area. Healthy children, in addition to those with a broad range of disorders, are encouraged to participate in order to identify subtle differences within healthy populations and between healthy and clinical populations.

Where does the study take place?Currently, your child can participate at one of two locations. Our flagship research center is located on Staten Island at 1 Teleport Drive (off of South Avenue), and is accessible using the S46 and S96 buses. The Manhattan office, at 445 Park Ave. (56th St.), is near both the Lex. Ave./59th St. subway station with N/Q/R/4/5/6 service and 5th Ave/53rd St. station with E/M service. We also intend to open additional research centers throughout the city. MRI scans are conducted at Rutgers University Brain Imaging Center in Newark, NJ, located at 200 University Ave. near parking and public transportation.

What is involved for my child?This phase of the study consists of an evaluation of your child’s physical and mental health. You will complete an initial screening questionnaire to rule out anything that might disqualify your child from participating. After you have been cleared to participate, we will schedule an appointment for your child to complete a computerized neuropsychological test, an IQ and achievement test and questionnaires about emotions and behaviors, give a blood sample, take a brief fitness test and have an EEG and MRI scan. All of this information is also detailed in the consent packet.

Healthy Brain Network FAQ for Parents

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Feelings, Thoughts and Behavior: You and your child will fill out a few questionnaires to give us a well-rounded picture of who your child is. We use internationally recognized questionnaires on habits, self-perception and feelings.

Genetics: Genes are just part of the factors that make up who you are, how you appear and how you act. Genes are segments of DNA, the molecule that coordinates development and function in all living organisms. We are interested in investigating the relationship between subtle individual genetic variations and behavior.

What is involved for the parents?You will be asked to provide informed consent on the first day of your child’s visit, which a member of our research team will talk about with you. Then you will complete a few brief questionnaires about family health history and your child.

What is the time commitment for the study?Although each individual is different, we expect that the evaluation process will take approximately 12 hours to complete. There is flexibility with the schedule, but most participants schedule their participation over three or four sessions. To accommodate busy family schedules, we are able to see participants in the evenings and on weekends.

What will my family receive for participating?In addition to receiving up to $150 in compensation — up to $125 for you and $25 for your child — your child will receive a no-cost mental health and learning evaluation, a report detailing the results of evaluation, and referrals for treatment and services in your community, if applicable.

Feedback SessionA few weeks after participation, you will have the option of receiving a detailed feedback session with a clinician in our offices. The clinician will review the results of your child’s evaluation and provide advice and treatment recommendations, if applicable. The clinician will also provide you with a referral for treatment in your community if necessary.

Is the information you collect about my child confidential? All personal health information, including all test results, will be kept completely confidential and stored securely. All information collected during the study will be separated from participants’ identifying information such as name, birth date and address. Data that are shared with research scientists are anonymous and will have none of your child’s identifying information included.

How do I sign my child up to participate?For more information please visit us online at healthybrainnetwork.org or contact our Coordination Center at hbn@childmind.org or 347.934.2880.

About the Child Mind InstituteThe Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Our teams work every day to deliver the highest standards of care, advance the science of the developing brain, and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most. Together with our supporters, we’re helping children reach their full potential in school and in life. We share all of our resources freely and do not accept any funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Learn more at childmind.org.